Reading challenge: Seeking summer readers

Bookworms throughout the community are already turning pages for this year's Summer Reading Program at Naperville Public Library. Coined "Read for the Win," this summer's reading challenge kicked off June 1 and will last through Aug. 15.

"We thought Read for the Win was a great theme since the Olympics are taking place this summer," said Anne Bultman, adult and teen services supervisor at Nichols Library. "It can apply to not only the Olympics but to any sport. Anyone can relate to it."

Readers of all ages, including infants and their parents, can register to participate at any time throughout the summer - a time when many students are out of school and are encouraged to keep their minds active.

"Children and teens who read over the summer perform 35 to 40 percent better on reading achievement tests than those who don't read over the summer," Bultman said.

From families on road trips listening to audiobooks to readers swinging in their hammocks holding a best seller, the reading program motivates the masses to thumb a good read with incentives. For reading throughout the summer, all reading levels will be able to earn prizes, such as books or coupons.

"Children will be able to shoot baskets when they return a reading log. The spinner will be used to determine the number of tries a child gets," Bultman said, adding that teen and adult readers also will be eligible for end-of-the-summer drawings for extra prizes.

The program is open to everyone, and no library card is required to sign up. To register, stop in at any library location or go to www.naperville.readsquared.com.